Although later than originally planned one of the key activities is currently underway in our first demographic study of African forest elephants in the Batéké Plateau National Park and its periphery. It is an important element of the project, made possible thanks to the support of the International Elephant Foundation, and involves the collection of genetic material for DNA sampling.
The DNA Database
Visual surveys, whilst suitable for savannah elephants, are not a practical option for forest elephants due to the density of their habitat. As a consequence, their numbers have been difficult to assess. In 2021, Gabon's National Parks Agency built the first wildlife DNA forensics laboratory in Central Africa. DNA testing of the elephant population on a nationwide scale subsequently confirmed Gabon as the main stronghold for Critically Endangered African forest elephants with an estimated population size of 95,110. The country has a zero-tolerance approach toward ivory trafficking, including penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment. In this respect, DNA analysis of seized ivory is now becoming a valuable tool in the fight against illegal trade. It provides critical evidence to increase prosecutions and helps to identify poaching hotspots and trade routes.
The Sampling Process
The sampling process draws on the novel genetic methods developed by Gabon's National Parks Agency since 2014 and applied by them in the nationwide study of the abundance and distribution of African forest elephants across Gabon.
We have purchased 50 sampling kits from the National Parks Agency as part of the project, and our local patrollers are currently collecting elephant dung samples in the sterile test tubes included in the kits. Precise notes on key data, such as date and GPS coordinates are also recorded. The samples will be submitted to the ANPN Wildlife DNA laboratory in Libreville, Gabon where genetic analyses will be carried out (DNA extraction, SNP genotyping). Geolocalized genotypes will then be submitted to the national reference DNA database and will be available for use in the investigation of the geographical origin of future national or international ivory seizures.
The Benefits of this Method
Historically non-invasive sampling involving elephant dung has been used to estimate population size and density, but the methods were unreliable. Surveys were reasonably standardised, but the methods were confined to dung counts. They were either distance sampling along line transects to obtain estimates of dung density, converted to elephant density using dung deposition and decay rates (which were not always applicable to the site or season), or by reconnaissance surveys, which provided only an encounter rate of dung, with no indication of dung or animal density. The result was believed to be an underrepresentation of the population, a belief proven to be the case following the DNA-based survey. These traditional methods were also unable to provide support in the fight against the illegal ivory trade.
Applying the science of DNA extraction provides a far more accurate picture, and is a valuable tool for elephant identification. This project will result in an increased representation of the Batéké Plateau National Park’s elephant population in the national reference DNA database, and will provide genetic classification.